Leaning in Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa was built over 800 years ago and it looks like it was finished this morning.  I imagined it would be a muddled gray color but it was a beautiful creamy marble.  We knew it was going to be leaning but to actually see this massive building completely un-parallel to the church sitting next to it was quite breath-taking.   I always thought the guy who designed it forgot to drink his V-8 but the leaning is due to sinking foundation.

Interesting fact: During World War II, the Allies discovered that the Germans were using the tower as an observation post. A U.S. Army sergeant was briefly entrusted with the fate of the tower and his decision not to call in an artillery strike kept the tower from being destroyed.

It was an enjoyable afternoon walking along the market.  The vendors were one right after the next.  Each selling 90% of the same t-shirts and trinkets but we couldn’t help ourselves we had to go to every single one!

The girls couldn't resist buying some new shades from a vendor.  5 Euros seemed like a good enough deal!

There were a lot of people from Africa walking up and down the streets selling items.  Men selling   watches, another with sunglasses, others with purses.   It’s a little bit scary even in the daylight. I don’t know if it’s because of their height, color, they out number us or that they surrounded us as we were getting in and out of the car or simply because they are strangers.  I believe my heart is color blind but my mind is not.  Good ol’ Raleigh is color, height and stranger blind.  He talks to everyone.  He kept saying Ciao to them and they were laughing and having fun with him.  It lightened the tension.

When we returned from Pisa we still had a little beach time, oh yeah!  As the girls swam in their bikinis people sat on the beach in there pants and coats watching three crazy girls having a good time.

The hotel setting was appreciated by all of us.  Fresh towels, our beds made every morning and a huge  breakfast selection.  God is good to take care of our needs.....and sometimes our wants.